Break out the ugly Christmas sweater

We are in the middle of the holiday “season.” What do you like about the holidays, and what drives you crazy?

by Dietrich Kalteis

Stick the antlers on the dog, mix up that Christmas punch, jingle the bells and call your friends and neighbors. Who doesn’t love a good Yuletide party? It’s the time to eat too much, drink too much, and break out the ugly Christmas sweater.

For me, it’s the time of year that brings back some great childhood memories, of trimming the tree, the presents that go under it, and all the magic that fills the house. It’s time for Rudolph, Frosty and Scrooge. And those classic films of Charlie Brown dealing with it, the Muppets saving it, and the Grinch stealing it.

 It’s a time to read some Dickens and Hans Christian Andersen. And it’s time for those favorite treats. And a house filled with the aroma of Christmas cake and mince meat and roast goose.

And it’s a time for goodwill too. A time to give generously, drop off some cans and packages to the Food Bank, and time to donate to some favorite charities.

A time for classic carols by Andy Williams, Bing Crosby, and the Chipmunks. Or something more contemporary like Nick Lowe singing “Christmas at the Airport”, Bob Dylan’s “Must be Santa” and the Ramones “Merry Christmas Baby”. 

Yeah, all of that’s Christmas.

And then there’s ringing in the New Year. Counting it down, blowing noise makers and topping that glass with some good champagne.

What drives me crazy about it? Christmas sales starting before Halloween. Black Friday sales, pre-Christmas Specials, and Boxing day week. Feeling a day late as I rush from store to store in mid-December searching for that elusive gift. And trying to find a parking spot at the mall is like threading a needle without one’s glasses on. And what could be worse than navigating through a crowded airport? Or the dreaded dollar-short feeling when January’s overstuffed charge-card bill gets squeezed through the mail slot. 

But as Christmas Eve closes in, who cares about all that? It’s time to deck the halls and pop that top pants’ button, join in the festivities and gather around the tree.

So, however you celebrate the season, I wish everyone peace and all the best for the coming year.